Apple and Blueberry Industries Applaud Changes to H-2A Visas, Viewing Them as a Positive Development for Labor Needs in Agriculture

October 14, 2025

H-2A Visa Updates Bring Hope to Struggling Fruit Growers

The United States Department of Labor recently announced proposed modifications to the H-2A visa program, a progress met with enthusiasm from both the apple and blueberry industries. These changes aim to address mounting labor costs that have been straining the financial stability of farms across the nation.

The Economic Pressure on Fruit Production

Over the past three years, apple prices have experienced a meaningful decline of 28%, while labor expenses have risen by 9%, and have increased 60% over the last decade. This economic squeeze is impacting countless family-owned farms,manny of which have been operating for generations.

Changes to the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR)

Farm groups have consistently called for reforms to the H-2A system, particularly regarding the calculation of the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR). The proposed interim final rule, published on October 2nd, introduces a more market-driven approach, discontinuing reliance on the farm Labor Survey to determine wage rates. This shift promises to align wage standards with current market realities.

According to industry leaders, decoupling the AEWR from the Farm Labor Survey will provide much-needed financial relief. It should help stabilize costs and prevent further economic hardship for growers who have been struggling with escalating labor expenses.

Rising Costs Beyond Labor

Labor represents approximately 60% of the total costs associated with growing apples. However, other critical inputs are also becoming more expensive. For example, the price of nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers has increased by 20% to 50% over the past ten years, further exacerbating the financial challenges faced by producers.

Blueberry Growers Also Anticipate Relief

The North American Blueberry Council reported that reliance on the Farm Labor Survey consistently resulted in artificially inflated wage rates. Between 2021 and 2025, blueberry-producing states witnessed an average 25% surge in wage rates tied to the survey-based AEWR, eroding the profitability of many operations.

Studies reveal that labor costs, exceeding 40% of production expenses, have pushed average blueberry growers to the point of breakeven, prompting increased adoption of mechanical harvesting to maintain viability.

Cautious Optimism and Future Outlook

michael Schadler, President of the Washington Apple Commission, expressed a cautiously optimistic view. While acknowledging the potential benefits of the changes, he emphasized that existing labor-related headwinds could limit the overall impact for apple growers.

“A little help is certainly welcomed,” Schadler stated, recognizing that these adjustments represent a step in the right direction, but may not be a definitive solution to the broader challenges facing the industry.

Industry	Price Change (Last 3 Years)	Labor Cost Increase (Last 3 Years)	Labor Cost Increase (Last Decade)
Apples	-28%	+9%	+60%
Blueberries	N/A	+25% (2021-2025)	N/A

Did You Know? The H-2A visa program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for temporary agricultural jobs when domestic workers are not available.

Pro Tip: Growers should carefully review the updated H-2A regulations and consult with legal counsel to ensure full compliance.

Understanding the H-2A Visa Program

The H-2A visa program is a critical component of the U.S. agricultural labor landscape. It enables farmers to access a legal and reliable workforce, particularly during peak seasons when domestic labor supply is insufficient. However, navigating the submission process and complying with program requirements can be complex. Recent modifications, such as those impacting the AEWR, aim to streamline the process and reduce administrative burdens for employers.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the program is designed to protect domestic workers and ensure fair wages and working conditions for both domestic and foreign agricultural laborers. The program requires employers to demonstrate a genuine need for temporary workers and to offer wages and benefits that meet or exceed prevailing standards.

Frequently Asked Questions about H-2A Visa Changes

• what is the H-2A visa program? The H-2A visa program allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers for agricultural jobs.
• What is the AEWR and why is it significant? The Adverse Effect Wage Rate is the minimum wage employers must pay H-2A workers, impacting labor costs significantly.
• How will the changes to the AEWR affect farmers? The changes aim to lower labor costs by basing wage rates on market conditions rather than the Farm Labor Survey.
• What challenges do apple and blueberry growers face? Declining prices combined with rising labor and input costs are squeezing profit margins for these producers.
• Is this a long-term solution for agricultural labor issues? While a positive step, industry experts suggest more thorough solutions may be needed.
• What role does the Farm Labor Survey play? The Farm Labor survey was previously used to determine the AEWR, but the new rule moves away from this method.
• Where can I find more details about the H-2A program? Visit the U.S. Department of Labor website for detailed information and resources.

What are your thoughts on these changes? Do you believe they will effectively address the labor challenges faced by American farmers? Share your opinions in the comments below!

How do the recent changes to the H-2A visa program specifically address the challenges faced by the apple and blueberry industries regarding labor shortages?

Apple and Blueberry Industries Applaud Changes to H-2A Visas, Viewing Them as a Positive Advancement for Labor Needs in Agriculture

Addressing the Agricultural Labor shortage with H-2A Visa Reforms

The agricultural sector, notably the apple and blueberry industries, has long faced notable labor challenges. Recent revisions to the H-2A visa program are being widely welcomed as a crucial step towards alleviating these pressures. These changes aim to streamline the process for agricultural employers to hire foreign workers when domestic labor is unavailable, ensuring harvests aren’t left to rot due to insufficient staffing. The H-2A program, officially known as the Agricultural Employment Certification Program, allows U.S. employers to bring foreign nationals to the U.S. to fill temporary agricultural labor needs.

Key Changes to the H-2A Visa program

Several key modifications to the H-2A visa program are driving the positive response from fruit growers. These include:

* Streamlined Submission Process: The U.S.Department of labor (DOL) has focused on reducing bureaucratic hurdles and processing times for H-2A applications. This means quicker access to a vital workforce.

* Wage Rate Flexibility: Adjustments to the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) calculation, while still ensuring fair wages for both domestic and foreign workers, offer some relief to growers facing rising labor costs.The AEWR is the minimum wage employers must pay H-2A workers.

* Expanded Geographic Flexibility: Recent rulings have provided greater flexibility for employers to move workers between different farms within a region,optimizing labor utilization during peak seasons. This is particularly beneficial for industries like blueberry farming, were harvests occur at different times across various states.

* Improved housing Standards Clarification: Clearer guidelines regarding housing requirements for H-2A workers are helping employers ensure compliance and provide adequate living conditions.

Impact on the Apple Industry

The apple industry, heavily reliant on seasonal labor for harvesting, is poised to benefit significantly. Apple harvesting is a labor-intensive process, requiring skilled workers to pick fruit without bruising.

* Maintaining Harvest Quality: Consistent access to a reliable workforce through the H-2A program ensures apples are harvested at peak ripeness, maintaining the high quality consumers expect.

* Reducing Crop Loss: Labor shortages can lead to significant crop loss as apples remain unpicked and spoil.The H-2A visa program helps mitigate this risk.

* Supporting Economic Growth: A stable apple harvest supports the entire supply chain, from growers and packers to retailers and distributors, contributing to economic growth in apple-producing regions. States like Washington,New York,and Michigan are particularly reliant on this program.

Impact on the Blueberry industry

Blueberry farming,known for its delicate harvesting requirements,also faces substantial labor demands. Blueberries must be hand-picked to avoid damage, making a skilled workforce essential.

* Timely Harvesting: Blueberries have a short harvest window. The H-2A program ensures growers can harvest their crops efficiently and on time, maximizing yields.

* Meeting Consumer Demand: A consistent supply of high-quality blueberries relies on a dependable labor force. The H-2A program helps meet growing consumer demand for this popular fruit.

* Regional Economic Benefits: Blueberry production supports numerous jobs and contributes significantly to the economies of states like Maine, Washington, oregon, and New Jersey.

Real-World Example: Washington State apple Growers

Washington State is the leading apple-producing state in the U.S., and heavily utilizes the H-2A program. In 2023, Washington apple growers reported a significant increase in H-2A visa approvals compared to previous years, directly correlating with a more accomplished harvest and reduced crop loss. Growers reported being able to harvest approximately 95% of their crop, a substantial enhancement over previous years where labor shortages led to losses of up to 20% in some orchards. This success is attributed to the streamlined application process and increased program awareness.

Navigating the H-2A Visa Process: Practical Tips for Employers

For agricultural employers looking to utilize the H-2A program, here are some practical tips:

1. Start Early: Begin the application process well in advance of the anticipated labor needs – ideally, several months before the harvest season.
2. document everything: Maintain meticulous records of all recruitment efforts, including advertisements, interviews, and rejections of domestic applicants.
3. consult with Experts: Engage with immigration attorneys or consultants specializing in agricultural labor to ensure compliance with all regulations.
4. Provide Adequate Housing: Ensure housing meets all DOL standards and provides a safe and cozy living surroundings for H-2A workers.
5. Understand AEWR: Stay informed about the current AEWR for your region and ensure wages comply with the requirements.

Future Outlook and Potential Improvements

While the recent changes to the H-2A visa program are a positive step, ongoing improvements are needed to address the long-term labor challenges facing the agricultural industry.Potential areas for further development include:

* Longer Visa durations: Extending the allowable duration of H-2A visas could provide greater stability for both employers and workers.

* Pathways to Permanent Residency: Creating pathways to permanent residency for long-term agricultural workers could help address the chronic labor shortage.

* Investment in agricultural Technology: Investing in